Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week AW 2013: Chanel

I was looking forward to seeing what Karl Lagerfeld would transform the Grand Palais into this time for the Chanel AW Haute Couture show and of course he pulled off another impressive feat! Inspired by a journey between the old and new world, the designer imagined the border between these two worlds as a theatre in ruins through which one can catch a glimpse of a modern city. The metaphor for  the "old world stepping into the new" is portrayed through the fabrics and designs of the garments. The designer brought together his modernist vision of textile innovation and the best traditional craftsmanship (think of embroiderers, milliners, flower makers and many more). 

The main characteristic of this couture collection are the wide belts and the heavy layering, both regarding different types of fabrics and different lengths. In my opinion, among the most interesting looks are the brownish tweed coats paired with a chocolate brown belt and with a salmon belt, the woven black and white cape suit, the black mini dress paired with a transparent floor-length skirt, some of the metallic dresses and of course the first grey ballerina-inspired metallic look.

If the runway looks intrigued you, let me show you the runway itself. The ancient theatre in ruins opens up to a skyline of futuristic buildings, thus separating the "old and the new world":

What do you think about this new world definition that Karl proposes? What do you think about all this layering? Do you have any favorite looks?

Photos: Yannis Vlamos/InDigitalteam/GoRunway.com